Influence of Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) on Snapbean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 1987 and 1988 at Frederick, MD, to determine established horsenettle (Solanum carolinenseL.) interference with snapbean. Horsenettle grown for 3 yr prior to planting snapbeans reduced yield 65% in 1987 and 48% in 1988. Horsenettle established for 1 yr reduced snapbean yield 20 and 18% in 1987 and 1988, respectively. As the distance of the snapbean row from the horsenettle row increased, there was less effect on the yield of snapbean. In 1987, snapbean yield in rows 15, 30, or 60 cm from horsenettle was reduced 43, 29, and 15%, respectively, while during 1988 in the same plots snapbean yields were reduced 38, 26, and 11%. Eight horsenettle planted in a 4.6-m row the first year and 16 horsenettle per row for the second year reduced snapbean yield 36 and 55% respectively. Horsenettle fruit number was 16% lower the first year and 45% lower the second year when snapbeans were grown at a 15-cm row spacing instead of a 60-cm row spacing.